MP Passaris backs bill to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists
Passaris lauded the initiative as a progressive move that prioritizes people over vehicles
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has endorsed the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2024, terming it a transformative step toward safer, more inclusive infrastructure.
The Bill, introduced by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, is under debate in Parliament and proposes the mandatory inclusion of Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) lanes dedicated pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and persons with disabilities on all new roads and major upgrades.
Passaris lauded the initiative as a progressive move that prioritizes people over vehicles. In a statement posted on her X platform on Thursday, August 7, 2025, she noted that road planning in Kenya must accommodate vulnerable users and called for strict exclusion of motorbikes from these lanes. Drawing from personal experience, she recalled cycling from Kitisuru to Parliament and the dangers she faced navigating vehicle-dominated roads.
“These lanes are meant to protect our most vulnerable users. Motorbikes must be excluded,” she wrote. “This Bill champions justice, safety, and dignity on our roads.”
The amendment seeks to correct longstanding disparities in road infrastructure that heavily favor motorists. Lesuuda, while presenting the Bill for second reading, stressed that current road design marginalizes the majority who walk, cycle, or use wheelchairs daily especially children and low-income Kenyans.
“This is about equity in access and safety. It’s unacceptable that only those in cars are considered in road planning,” she said.
If passed, road agencies including KeNHA, KURA, and KeRRA will be obligated to integrate physically separated NMT lanes on both national and county roads. The legislation also proposes hefty penalties up to Sh1 million in fines or one-year imprisonment for motorists who encroach on these paths.
An estimated Ksh182 billion is needed to roll out the plan across the country, starting with Sh30 billion in the first year. The Bill targets the 70 per cent of paved roads currently lacking infrastructure for non-motorized users.
The proposed law includes a 15-year transition period to ensure phased implementation. Lesuuda hopes the reform will reframe national transport planning and promote walking and cycling as dignified, safe modes of travel.
